- Marston’s has delivered the UK’s largest private network of rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers across hospitality sites in partnership with Osprey, and it is one of the largest networks of any private business in Europe.
- New data reveals almost half (42%) of UK adults expect to drive an EV in the next five years – equivalent to more than 16 million additional EVs on UK roads by 2025i.
- EV chargers now installed at 100 pubs.
- Rapid charging is a key requirement in consumer demand.
Marston’s has reached its latest environmental milestone and has completed the installation of rapid EV chargers across 100 pubs in collaboration with Osprey Charging. The roll-out is the largest of its kind in the UK and will pave the way for mass EV adoption ahead of the UK’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
The partnership between Marston’s and Osprey began in 2018 which saw both companies join forces with the aim to create a private network of 400 rapid EV chargers across 200 pubs, supporting the UK’s growing requirement for accessible EV infrastructures.
Andy Kershaw, Head of Property at Marston’s, said: “Sustainability is becoming a key consideration in day to day life, with the demand for EV chargers only increasing. We are very proud to have achieved this milestone with Osprey and we look forward to developing our infrastructure further over the next twelve months.
“The Marston’s 100th rapid charging site installation represents a significant milestone towards our goal to become the UK’s most environmentally efficient pub business. The support and commitment of our infrastructure delivery and operating partner, Osprey, has been crucial to achieving this nationally, without disruption to our day-to-day operations.”
The 50kW rapid charging stations across 100 Marston’s pubs, enable drivers to fully charge within as little as half an hour ii and are easy to use with contactless payment, no membership necessary. Each charge point is powered using 100% renewable electricity and are compatible with every EV on the market today.
Since the roll out began, over 180 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been saved and over 20,000 user sessions have taken place. The full roll out is due to be completed by 2022.
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey, said: “With the ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars less than 10 years away, it’s crucial to support EV drivers with the infrastructure that they want – rapid, convenient and accessible to all. Our partnership with Marston’s will continue to meet the needs of EV drivers and allow them to enjoy great food and drink facilities while they top up.”
A SURGE IN EV DEMAND
New research – a representative survey of 2,001 UK adults – unveiled by Marston’s and Osprey, uncovers an accelerating shift towards EVs:
- Almost half (42%) expect to drive an EV in the next five years.
- The number and availability of public charging points (48%) and length of time it takes to charge a vehicle (43%) prove to be the biggest concerns with a public charging infrastructure.
- Over half (59%) would prefer to use a rapid public charging infrastructure compared to other charging speeds available.
- More than a third (36%) of people would be encouraged to use a public EV charger if there were good quality food and drink facilities at EV charging sites.
- 38% are more concerned about air pollution as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
-ENDS-
Editor’s Notes
Marston’s and Osprey’s independent research survey was conducted in August 2020 by Opinium and involved a sample of 2001 UK adults.
Drivers are able to locate their closet public EV charger using: www.zap-map.com/
i 38.3m cars on UK roads as of March 2020. 142,200 EVs current on UK roads. Therefore, 38,157,800 combustion engine vehicles currently registered. 42% = 16,026,276 electric vehicles in the next five years.
ii A rapid charge can take between 20-90 minutes depending on the vehicle model.
Marston’s PLC is a leading pub operator with an estate situated across the UK, comprising of managed, franchised and leased pubs, as well as hotel accommodation as part of the pub and lodge portfolio.
Osprey Charging (previously known as Engenie prior to a company rebrand) is an electric vehicle charging network operator specialising in rapid chargers. Osprey fund, install and manage the network on behalf of partners. Osprey’s network is built to be reliable and easy to use. All chargers accept contactless payments, App payments, RFID payments and payment through all the major third party payment methods. In 2019, Osprey installed London’s first rapid charging hub in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), at Stratford International Station car park.
Press release from the Vital Agency on behalf of Marston’s
For more information about Marston’s, please contact Charlotte at their press agency, Vital, on 07506795319 or email: charlotte@thevitalagency.co.uk
For more information about Osprey, please contact Toby at the PR agency, Greenhouse PR, via toby.dye@greenhousepr.co.uk